push vs pull

I just read an interesting essay talking about whether Israel or the EU will prevent another Holocaust. The view boils down to empowering the Jews vs un-empowering the state. Either would have prevented it/ or prevent it in the future. This is a push vs pull idea, where both sides see something moving but make a different conclusion from the available data. This is true with many issues: do you prevent highway deaths by slowing down traffic or making the cars safer? Do you cut down on crime by increasing jail time or having more police? Do you stop accidental shootings by banning guns or increasing gun safety education?

http://via.readerimpact.com/v/1/792bc4b1ec4cad1ee531faa767415e58abbea5209e0fb1f0

more thoughts when I'm up to it.